A New Jersey man has been arrested for allegedly participating in a vishing scam that aimed to defraud a Greenwich resident of $400,000 in gold.
According to Greenwich police, a group of individuals began targeting the victim during the week of September 8 through phone calls in what authorities described as an “elaborate vishing scheme.” Vishing, short for voice phishing, involves scammers impersonating trusted individuals over the phone to extract personal or financial information.
In this case, the victim was convinced to hand over $25,000 in cash to a so-called courier. The scammers later instructed the victim to acquire $400,000 worth of gold and deliver it in a similar manner.
Instead, the victim contacted the police. On September 17, officers arranged a controlled meeting with the courier, who was arrested when he arrived to collect the gold.
The suspect, identified as Hriday Arya, 25, of Jersey City, New Jersey, allegedly admitted to detectives that he had taken part in similar schemes and received payment for his involvement.
Arya has been charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny and criminal attempt at first-degree larceny. Although his bond was initially set at $250,000, court records show he was released after posting $50,000.
He is scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Stamford on November 6.
Let me know if you need a shortened version for social media or a newsletter!
